The Shower of Sweets

The Shower of Sweets
https://www.lybrary.com/tlpp/books/shower/001.html

By Tom Osborne
Dedicated to
THOSE WONDERFUL BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON MAGICIANS
I shall never forget their kindness, and helpfulness while I was playing in their Territory. A few
are listed below in Alphabetic order. HARRY BAKER, MILBOURNE CHRISTOPHER, VIN
CAREY, HENRY R. EVANS, HENRY FETCH, THEO. GOLDEN, EDW. HEYL, ERNEST MARX,
AL MOGEL, RAY OTTEREACH, CAPT. C. C. SLAYTON, PHIL THOMAS, THOS. C.
WORTHINGTON, 3RD, ARTHUR COWEN AND WILLIAM ZERR.
The History of
THE SHOW ER OF SW EETS

by
Mr. John Braun
EDITOR OF THE LINKING RING
Tricks in which the conjuror magically produces something that can be distributed to the
audience have long enjoyed popularity. In what more convincing way can the magician display
his magical powers than by producing little gifts--flowers, cigarettes, flags, cookies, or
candy--to distribute? One of the classics in this category is "The Shower of Sweets," a feat
which appears in most of the older works on magic but is seldom seen today, and more's the
pity, for a more pleasing bit of conjuring will be hard to find.
Robert-Houdin devoted almost four pages to a complete presentation. with entertaining patter,
in "The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic," which was published in 1868. Professor Hoffmann
gives the trick of producing the magical sweetmeats almost three pages in "Modern Magic." I
am not magical historian enough to tell you who invented the trick, but I incline to the belief that
it was Phillippe, born Jacques Noel Talon in 1802, the best allround conjuror produced by
France prior to Robert-Houdin. Phillippe had been a pastry cook and confectioner in Paris,
London, and Aberdeen before taking up the art of the conjurer, and he it was who popularized
the Linking Rings and the Production of Bowls of Water and Goldfish from a shawl. One of the
numbers that often appeared on his programs was "The Modern Confectioner," and I like to
think that this was the original "Shower of Sweets," to turn the art of making sweetmeats into a
conjuring feat. Sidney W. Clarke, in The Annals of Conjuring, tells us that one of Phillippe's
feats was the magical production of bonbons, but does not tell us how the production was
made.
Tom Osborne has herewith given us his version of this pretty feat. Let us hope that he may
revive interest in this conjuring classic, and restore it to a rightful place on today's magical
programs!
Contents
In addition to the instructions for the construction of an impromptu bag that was invented by the
Author. there will be three original routines he has used successfully for years.
The first routine is used when the performer is seated at the table.
The second routine is used when the performer has them close or all around him.
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The third routine is used for night club or stage performance.

The success of this beautiful trick largely depends on the ability of the performer to steal the
bag without the audience catching on. So the bag must be hidden in the most advantageous
spot available, and the steal is made under cover of what Magicians call "A series of moves.
For the first routine the bag is in the lap of the performer.
For the second routine the bag is hidden under the coat of the performer.
For the third routine the bag is hidden in back of a chair.
Included in this volume will be the description of several types of prepared bags, and a routine
suitable for the stage that is a favorite with several of our present day illusionists, also a special
surprise at the end.
THE EFFECT
As performed by the Author at the annual S.A.M. show held at The Barbizon-Plaza Hotel, New
York City, on the evening of May 19, 1945. Assisting are Mr. and Mrs. Wobensmith of
Philadelphia, Pa.
THE EFFECT (In general): The performer covers an empty dish with a napkin. Then he lifts
the napkin up and away from the dish by one of the corners, letting the other three corners
hang down.
He shakes the napkin several times and a shower of after-dinner Mints, Nuts, Chocolates, etc.,
cascades down upon the dish.
In the photograph above, the routine employed was slightly different, for more detail, see 3rd
Routine.
THE SECRET: At a certain period in the act of removing the napkin away from the dish, a
loaded bag similar in material to the napkin is stolen from under the coat, the lap, or from the
back of a chair.
The eyes of the audience will immediately be centered on the dish as it is being uncovered, and
while the attention of the audience is thus misdirected, the hand removing the napkin steals the
loaded bag.
This bag will pass unnoticed as it will be enveloped by the corners of the napkin, and it is so
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constructed that the load inside can be released when desired without betraying the hidden
bag.
A STORY ADOUT A MAGICIAN

(It could be you)
Visualize if you will a group seated at a table at some Country Club, or in the dining room of a
swanky hotel. The affair could be a birthday party, a wedding celebration, etc. The hostess has
gone to a lot of trouble to make the party a success, so far she has succeeded. The dinner
was wonderful, the service excellent, and the conversation brilliant.
At this point during the swapping of stories the guests we sipping their coffee, smoking, etc.
In this group of old friends is the famous Dr. Leo Wagner, the Pediatrician, and his charming
wife. The good Doctor also has the reputation of being a very clever magician. His friends.
seated at the table, never know when the unexpected will hatpea when he is around.
Suddenly the conversation subsides as all seem to sense that something is about to happen.
The reserved manner that is traditional of a Doctor has vanished from our subject, and in its
place he assumes the mysterious yet entertaining manner of the modem day Magician.
All eyes are now upon the Magician as he spreads a napkin over an empty candy dish. He now
proclaims, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I shall now perform an effect in Magic, and I dedicate it to
our Hostess of the evening." See No. 1.
Long a student in the art of Magic he knows the value of showmanship, and experience has
taught him how to projed it.
So employing a few mysterious passes with his hands, and to the amusement of his friends he
gesticulates over the napkin.
He continues his meaningless humbug by murmuring what he says is an ancient magical
phrase:
"Oh mirror, mirror on the wall
Who is the greatest Magician of them all?
Watch me closely and the answer will be.
That I am--even greater than Harry Houdin (e)".
Finally he lifts the napkin away from the candy dish, and the expression on the face of the
Magician betrays his disappointment, because he apparently forgot to turn the candy dish
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mouth upwards.
This he corrects after displaying his chagrin. Kindly bear in mind that the picture now is this,
see No. 2. The Magician holds the napkin up with his right hand, while the left hand is turning
over the candy dish.
Amidst the good-natured ribbing of his friends the Magician apologizes for the terrific let down,
but one has only to see the twinkle in his eye to know that he is up to something.
Still holding the napkin over the table he brings it over the candy dish and as he strokes the
cloth he says:
"Oh Mirror. Mirror on the wall
Our Hostess is the greatest Magician of them all,
This I say with 'no ifs, ands, or buts.'
The dinner was wonderful from 'soup to nuts'."
At the conclusion of the sincere compliment presented in this doggerel form he immediately lifts
away the napkin from the dish, and behold, the dish is filled with the popular after-dinner
assorted nuts.
Simultaneously with the appearance of the nuts, the Magician says in a disgusted manner, "Oh
nuts." See No. 3.
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THE END
The point of the above story is this. If you are able to present this routine only once in your
lifetime before a suitable audience such as the one described above, you will be more than
repaid by the expression of delight from your audience., and the thanks of appreciation from
your Hostess.
THE IMPROMPTU BAG

The impromptu bag can be made out of a handkerchief or a napkin in a moment's notice, and
due to the folds involved it will stay folded until you desire the shower to drop down then a few
shakes will unfold it.
We believe this impromptu bag is one of the finest contributions ever offered to the magical
fraternity.
DIRECTIONS: Fold the napkin as in Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Then tie a knot in corner A as in No. 4.
Please notice it is a bow knot. Fill the inside with candy or nuts. Next bring up corner D to the
circle indicated by the arrow in No. 5. Fold over the X corners in Nos. 6 and 7, pushing the X
corner in No. 7 under the left side fold so it appears as in No. 8. this keeps the bag from falling
apart until ready to use. To complete the now formed bag, take it in your hands and gently
shake the candy down to the bottom, as in No. 9.
After the bag has been unloaded it takes but a moment to untie the bow knot, and both napkins
are dropped on the table with what others that may be there. In this way if someone should
examine them the evidence will be destroyed.
The author has an one occasion excused himself from a dinner party at a downtown hotel and
hurriedly slipped next door to a drug store for a ten cent package of after-dinner mints. They
were placed inside a bag formed by his handkerchief, and with his napkin spread over the
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loaded bag to keep it hidden he returned to the party, the whole procedure taking but a few
moments.
THE PREPARED BAG

The bags illustrated and described here are the results of improvements from years of actual
use in performance.
THE SINGLE BAG
Use a cloth the size of a napkin and lay it out as in No. 1. then fold the corners B and D over as
in No. 2, and sew at the dotted lines.
Cut the cloth on both sides as directed by the from X to X in No. 2. Hem and sew at the dotted
lines as in No. 3, this narrowing permits the candy to drop squarely on the dish instead of
splattering all over the floor.
Sew a small bone ring at corner C in No. 4. Bend a piece of wire into the shape illustrated In
No. 5 and sew it and another small bone ring at corner A as in No. 4, this small ring in corner A
goes over a hook which is on the back of a chair. Next take a 50-pound picture hanger which is
illustrated in No. 6 and straighten it out as in No. 7, then sew it to the bag near the top as in No.
4, see X.
Load the candy into the bag, then bring up the corner C ring and slip it over the hook as in No.
8. Pick up the bag by the larger ring and you will discover that a tilt or a few slight shakes will
dislodge the corner C ring causing the candy to drop out.
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THE DOUBLE BAG

Another bag similar to the one described previously. The hook for holding the bottom ring is
raised slightly higher, this is so that when the bag is tilted or shaken the fingers cover It so only
one small ring at a time can fall off the hooks. Both bags are sewed together at the dotted lines
illustrated in No. 8.
THE TRIPLE BAG

Bend a piece of steel wire into the shape illustrated in No. 9, then push it up between the
double bag and make it fast by sewing only at the spots indicated by the X's in No. 9.
One hand squeezing this bag at the top causes the wire to close which in turn makes an
opening so to contents which are between the two sewed bags can drop out. Because of the
interval sewing you will be able to skin the bag back over the wire so the latter can be spread
apart when necessary.
Candy for a Lady can be in one side of the bag. Cigarettes for a Gentleman in the other side,
and a rubber capped glass of Beer in the inside compartment for yourself.
Instead of using the steel wire, snap fasteners can be used for the inside compartment In this
way you can push up a bottle inside, snapping the fasteners so it will not fall out. After
producing the two showers from the outside compartments, your free hand containing an empty
glass can remove the cork from the, bottle letting the contents pour out into the glass. A good
gag would be to use milk.
The inside compartment will also hold a small bouquet of flowers for the Lady.
1st ROUTINE:
Directions for Performing While Seated at the Table.
For sake of clearness let us assume that the impromptu bag is used far this routine. At a
moment when no one is watching set the loaded bag in your lap with the knot upwards and
near the table edge.
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Spread out the napkin as in No. 1, letting the corner C hang down over the table edge. Turn the
candy dish upside down but do it in such a way that those watching you are led to believe by
your actions that you have slipped something under it, and ignoring any remarks relative to this
you proceed in this manner.
Pull the napkin out from under the dish in a backward movement, the left hand holding the dish
to keep it from moving, and when the napkin is almost removed start raising the corner C with
the right hand, and continue to pull until it is free of the dish, see Nos. 2 and 3. This is the same
move used later on when you steal the load so be sure the right hand pulls the napkin correctly
each time.
Return the napkin to the table and cover the dish as in No. 4.
The left hand lifts back the corner A so all can see the dish. This is a cover up so the knot can
be grasped between the fingers of the right hand. See No. 5 for the first part. As soon as you
have control of the bag the left hand returns the corner A back to its position as in No. 8.
Now use the same backward pulling movement as before and take away the napkin carrying
the bag inside of the folds, as the hands move upwards and backwards the corners of the
napkin will drape around the bag keeping it hidden from those in front.
The attention of the audience will be on the upside down dish for a moment, and it is during this
moment that the hands adjust the folds around the bag so it may be completely hidden from
sight.
GETTING THE BAG INTO SHAPE FOR THE SHOWER
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The position of the hand, the napkin, and the bag will be as in No. 7, and during the adjusting
period the left hand takes away the bag as in Nos. 8 and 9.
The right hand turns the dish month upwards, then it takes hold of the napkin as in No. 10.
If you are working near the audience it is advisable for the left hand to hold the lower corners
as in No. 10, when you shake the napkin over the dish, when using the impromptu bag if for any
reason the folds should get stuck reach up under with the left hand and pull down the corner C.
Experience will teach you how to make the folds so they will unfold instantly.
2nd ROUTINE:
Directions While Standing Close to the Audience.
Under most circumstances it is difficult to make any steal from the body, but in this case it
becomes quite easy because the audience is so close they will not be able to detect the steal,
so the closer the better. No "moves" are used, just plain "gall."
The loaded bag marked X in No. 1 is placed under the coat, the top laying against the vest,
while the bottom goes down into the trousers. Pressure of the stomach against the bag keeps
it from falling.
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Place a pencil in your top left vest pocket, or in the shirt pocket, and button, your coat. You are
now ready to proceed.
Cover the dish with a napkin as in Nos. 2 and 3. Bring the covered dish close to your body and
unbutton your coat. The right hand goes under the coat and brings out the pencil and it is
waved over the covered dish, then it is returned to the pocket, and while the right hand is under
the coat it takes a hold of the ring or knot on the bag, now bring the X corner of the napkin
close to your body and raise the covered dish slightly as in No. 3, the covered dish will act as a
shield as you bring out the right hand carrying the bag with it, as soon as the hand starts to
leave the coat it takes hold of the corner X and pulls the napkin up and away from the dish
carrying the bag behind the folds as in No. 4. Hand the dish to some one to hold, shake and
dislodge your shower;
3rd ROUTINE:
Directions for the Night Club or Stage Performance
The loaded bag is hanging in back of a chair with the knot or the ring about an inch below the
top edge. If using the impromptu bag, a thumb tack will hold it in place against the chair, the
prepared bag has a small ring near the top, so straighten out another 50-pound coat hanger
and push two thumb tacks into the holes and tack this holder against the chair, and place the
small ring on the hanger.
Cover the top part of the chair with a large napkin or a small cloth, set the candy dish, and a
Chef's hat on the chair as in No. 5.
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The right hand takes hold of the napkin by the corner C and removes it from the chair, and it is
held up as in No. 6. Now shake it out several times, this serves to prove there is not any thing
inside.
It is returned to the chair as in No. 7 but in such a way that it isn't apparent you are being
precise, do it in a nonchalant manner, but the bag must lay in this position. If using the
impromptu bag the corner C must be near the knot, or if using the prepared bag, the center of
the cloth is over the ring.
Place the Chef's hat on your head. While the left hand picks up the dish you steal away with the
right hand the bag as in No. B. (The impromptu bag by the knot, the prepared bag by the ring.
Show the dish empty, and if using the impromptu bag place the dish under your arm while you
adjust the cloth, if you are using the prepared bag you will of course dispense with this. All that
remains to be done is to shower your load into the dish.
THE STEAL FOR THE TWO LOADS OF

ORANGES FROM THE BACK OF THE TABLES
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The position for the presentation is illustrated above. The cloth covers the table with the corner
A nearest the audience, and the corner C to the rear. On the cloth above the corner C is
attached the load, a small hole in each cloth (see the arrow) fits over a headless nail to keep it
in place, otherwise the load would pull it off. An empty basket is on top of each cloth. The
performer stands at K.
The performer lifts up the right basket with both hands and shows it empty, the right hand
returns it to the table while the left hand lifts up and lowers corner A so the audience can see
under the table, but he does it in such a manner that the audience suspects him of trying to hide
something, still retaining hold of the corner A with the left hand, and holding the basket with the
right hand, the performer with a shrug of the shoulders, lifts up and to the rear the basket,
while the left hand lifts up the cloth away from the table, the load is now in back of the cloth,
without hesitation the cloth is dropped into the basket, while the left hand takes a hold of the
table and shows it all around, the table is replaced, and the basket containing the cloth and the
load is set on the bare table.
The same procedure is carried on with the second table. The performer next returns to the first
table, pinches the cloth and shakes it out of the basket, this dislodges the oranges, he turns
and repeats the shaking out business with the second basket.
THE LOAD: Sew a bone ring to each corner of a napkin, place the oranges on the napkin bring
up the corners, and slip the rings over a hook which is sewn on the cloth, when the shaking
occurs the rings slip off, dislodging the load, the bag is hidden under the folds of the cloth.
A Special Surprise
We Have Saved the Best for the Last
THE PANTIES BAG

Note by Marko: I am not one to cut things off books but I can make notes and
my note in regards to the following is that I find it in extreme bad taste. I don't
know for what type of audiences Mr. Osborne performed but I would never do
something like this for mine. Anyway, you decide.
A bag is constructed with the material from a pair of panties. The construction of this bag is
different from the others, and it contains two pockets. It has the advantage of previous
described bags in that after the Magician has produced the two showers he can get rid of the
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bag and show the cloth empty. Since Magicians started using the Shower of Sweets they have
searched for a way to get rid of the bag at the finish, and at last it has been found.
THE ROUTINE
The performer learns that a lady in the audience is having a birthday, and he invites her and her
boy friend up on the stage.
From one pocket he produces Candy Kisses for the lady, "Kisses to the Lady," says the
Magician as he hand her a plateful. From the. other pocket he he produces a plateful of
peanuts, and as he hands them to the gentleman he laughingly says, "Nuts to you, Sir."
The Magician now requests the audience to salute the lady by singing "Happy Birthday." While
so doing the Magician's hand strays in back of the lady and allows the bottom of the cloth to
touch the floor, then he drops the panties unnoticed so they will fall in back of her, as soon as
this is accomplished he brings the cloth in front and opens it up so it can be seen empty, by this
time the singing should be finished. To conclude, you whisper anything in the ear of the lady and
point to the panties, then you pick them up and spread them apart. You can guess what the
impression on the lady's face would be amidst the laughter of the audience.
End of book.
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